Department of Health & Mental Hygiene News Release

Baltimore, MD (August 31, 2011) – Baltimore, MD (August 31, 2011) -- Governor Martin O’Malley and Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Secretary of the MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), are reminding Marylanders to use caution when using portable generators, heaters, and other combustion sources during post-hurricane recovery. The state has already had one confirmed death due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Due to the continuing power outages, many people are using portable generators to supply their homes with electricity. Although these can be useful, they can also be dangerous. One of these dangers is CO poisoning. Between August 28 through 30, hospital Emergency Departments treated 13 cases of possible CO exposure, as reported via Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE).

“Especially given the power outages in the days following Hurricane Irene, we remind all Marylanders to place generators outside and away from open windows, carports, garages, and other enclosed spaces," said Governor O'Malley. “Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, and we urge everyone to use extra caution. Please check on your neighbors, family and friends.”

It is very important to check the generator location and operation, and to have a working carbon monoxide detector.

“We have been emphasizing this warning for several days now because there is danger when people use generators indoors or closer than 15 feet from open windows, air conditioners, or doors,” said Secretary Sharfstein. “Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it can kill without being detected.”

Carbon monoxide gas is made when fuels burn improperly or the exhaust is not vented outdoors. The symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to the flu (but without a fever). The symptoms include:

Headache

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Nausea

Dizziness

Every year, hundreds of people die from portable generator-related CO poisoning. Most often these occur because people used a generator indoors. If you use a portable generator, you can prevent CO poisoning by following these important safety tips:

Never use a generator in garages, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially-enclosed areas.